Truckers, brace yourselves! Starting January 1, 2025, your stash of greenbacks won’t help you at Colorado Ports of Entry anymore. That’s right—no more tossing cash at the scale house and speeding off. Cash is officially out, and it’s time to start swiping cards or breaking out that checkbook (if you even remember how to use one).
But why the change? Well, let’s be honest, handling cash these days is a headache—not just for you but for the officers too. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has had enough of dealing with robberies and the risk of handling stacks of cash. With Ports of Entry being prime spots for commercial traffic, the CSP has faced its fair share of security issues. Truck stops and scales aren’t just hotspots for truckers—they can also attract the wrong crowd. So, to protect both staff and drivers, CSP is saying goodbye to cash (CDLLife).
For most of you, this isn’t a big change. According to CSP, the majority of transactions at Ports of Entry already happen through credit cards. So, for most of the trucking world, it’s business as usual—just with one less option for payment. Plus, in a world where everything’s going digital, CSP is working on an even more convenient solution: an online system where you can grab your permits before you even cross into Colorado. Think of it like prepaying for your gas, but for your truck permits. Easy, right?
But Wait, Isn’t Cash Still Legal Tender?
If you’re scratching your head and thinking, “But isn’t it illegal to refuse cash?” you’re not wrong. Colorado did pass a law in 2021 that says businesses can’t refuse to accept cash as payment (Colorado General Assembly). However, there’s a catch—this law applies to retail businesses, like the places where you grab a burger or your favorite truck stop coffee. The Ports of Entry? They’re a whole different beast. Ports of Entry are operational checkpoints designed to enforce commercial vehicle laws, not retail shops selling consumer goods.
So, while you can still pay cash for a cup of coffee, you won’t be able to use those dollar bills to pay for your truck’s permits. Consider this a step toward a safer, faster process for everyone.
What Happens at Colorado’s Ports of Entry?
For the uninitiated, Ports of Entry are where the action happens for commercial vehicles entering and leaving Colorado. These checkpoints are strategically placed at high-traffic areas along major highways to ensure that the trucks rolling into the state are in tip-top shape. With ten key locations spread across Colorado—including spots like Fort Collins, Limon, Trinidad, and Cortez—you’re bound to hit one of these ports if you’re hauling freight through the state (Colorado General Assembly)(Colorado Department of Transportation).
These facilities aren’t just places where you pay your permits. They’re designed to keep the roads safe and the infrastructure intact. They check for truck size and weight, ensure proper permits and licenses are in place, and run safety inspections (Northern Colorado Prospers). In short, they make sure no overloaded or unsafe trucks are barreling down the highway, threatening everyone on the road. And with more advanced technology being implemented, these ports are becoming even more efficient (Northern Colorado Prospers). Expect smoother processes, faster inspections, and an overall better experience for drivers.
The Fort Collins Port of Entry, for example, recently got a major upgrade as part of Colorado’s I-25 North Express Lanes Project (Northern Colorado Prospers). This project not only widened roads and improved lanes but also added some slick new tech to the port facilities, making it easier for truckers to get in and out. That’s the direction CSP is moving—making ports more modern, more efficient, and more secure.
Why the Big Push to Go Cashless?
Besides the obvious safety benefits of not having large sums of cash on-site, going cashless streamlines the entire process. Think about it—no more fumbling around with bills and change at the scale house. A quick card swipe or check signing speeds up transactions, keeps things moving, and reduces the risk of human error. Plus, with the eventual online system, you could be purchasing your permits from the comfort of your cab before you even hit the Colorado line (CDLLife).
In a world where more and more businesses are going digital, it’s no surprise that the Ports of Entry are following suit. Credit card payments and online transactions are quicker, safer, and more convenient for everyone involved. And for those of you still rocking the checkbook—don’t worry, you won’t be left behind. You can still write those checks, just no cash!
What Should Truckers Expect?
Come January 1, 2025, if you roll up to a Colorado Port of Entry with a wad of cash, you’re going to be out of luck. CSP will only be accepting credit cards or checks for your commercial vehicle permits, so make sure you’re prepared. And if you’re one of those tech-savvy truckers who likes to plan ahead, keep an eye out for CSP’s online permit system—it’s going to make your life a whole lot easier (CDLLife)(Colorado Department of Transportation).
Until then, practice your card-swiping skills or make sure you’ve got a working pen for that checkbook. One thing’s for sure: cash is out, and convenience is in.
So, truckers, what’s the takeaway here? Cash is going the way of the dodo at Colorado’s Ports of Entry. Start prepping now for the switch, and come January 2025, you’ll be ready to swipe, sign, and keep on truckin’. And hey, with all the time you’ll save not counting out cash, you might even squeeze in a few extra miles. The road’s waiting—let’s roll!
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